Nonlinear evolution-type equations and their exact solutions using inverse variational methods

We present the role of invariants in obtaining exact solutions of differential equations. Firstly, conserved vectors of a partial differential equation (p.d.e.) allow us to obtain reduced forms of the p.d.e. for which some of the Lie point symmetries (in vector field form) are easily concluded and, therefore, provide a mechanism for further reduction. Secondly, invariants of reduced forms of a p.d.e. are obtainable from a variational principle even though the p.d.e. itself does not admit a Lagrangian. In this latter case, the reductions carry all the usual advantages regarding Noether symmetries and double reductions. The examples we consider are nonlinear evolution-type equations such as the Korteweg-deVries equation, but a detailed analysis is made on the Fisher equation (which describes reaction-diffusion waves in biology, inter alia). Other diffusion-type equations lend themselves well to the method we describe (e.g., the Fitzhugh Nagumo equation, which is briefly discussed). Some aspects of Painleve properties are also suggested.